Some of ya'll were right to point out that I had the wrong idea about the origins of the My So-Called Scarf from Sheep in the City. I dearly apologize for spreading mis-information and coming across as snarky, jerky, sour grapesy.
What makes it worse, is that I had read the paragraph about the origins of the scarf at some point in the past, but it didn't stick. When I went back the other day to look at Stacey's blurb, it was familiar. So I'm lazy and lame. I know from my days in editing that I should check my facts before I commit bytes to pages. I know from practicing compassion that I should pause before reacting to a perceived injustice. Things are more often not what they seem at first.
And to be fair to myself, I wasn't angry or annoyed that someone would pass off a stitch pattern as a pattern pattern. I just didn't think about what I was writing at all. Part of my own personal yoga/Buddhist practice is to cultivate mindfulness, that is total awareness of my behavior in the here and now. Clearly, this is something to practice over a lifetime.
I'm reminded by my own actions how easily it is to inadvertently and without malice spread ill will. I hope that the next time I feel wronged by someone else, I will remember my own faults and short comings and approach that situation with the compassion that I hope ya'll will give to me.
The Truth Will Set You Free
So, had I re-read Stacey's blog before I wrote my post about the so-called finished object, I'd have told you that she received the pattern for the scarf in a kit. She received so many compliments about the scarf, that she rang the shop that sold her the kit asking if she could distribute the pattern. They admitted it was just a stitch pattern they pulled from a book, so no worries about posting the pattern on her blog.
Had I been mindful, I'd have only said "Voila! The stitch pattern is the woven rattan stitch. Now we know."
Now I know.
Jen- your humility is inspiring. What a great and honest post. I didn't notice any of the snark etc (what with puppyville and all) but I can clearly see healthy practice and something to strive for.
becky
Posted by: becky | November 09, 2007 at 09:05 AM
What a great post. I agree with what Becky said.
Nice change on the blog layout!
Posted by: jennsquared | November 09, 2007 at 01:47 PM
You are the least snarky blogger out there, Jen!! Your post didn't seem even remotely rude, so no worries, k?
Posted by: Heather | November 09, 2007 at 11:46 PM
I don't think you came across as snarky.
Besides, the thing is - Imagiknit gives out a "free" pattern *with* a skein purchase (but won't give the "pattern" without purchase), which I do think is a little deceiving of them, because it's a stitch pattern you can pick out of a book. I think it's a bit weird.
Posted by: theLady | November 11, 2007 at 05:50 AM
I didn't think you came across as snarky. And b/c of this post, I only think more highly of you!
Posted by: tiennie | November 12, 2007 at 11:59 AM
We all make mistakes but few admit to it and apologize. Kudos to you for doing the difficult.
Posted by: Debbie | November 17, 2007 at 10:13 AM